Canadian Video Game Industry Welcomes Government Action on Copyright Reform

TORONTO, September 29, 2011 – The Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) today applauded government action to protect the intellectual property of artists, creators and innovators in the Canadian video game industry. By re-introducing copyright reform legislation, the federal government is fulfilling a promise to modernize an out-dated law and support the development of new and innovative digital products, services, distribution methods and business models.

“By deterring those who profit and benefit from stealing creator’s work, this legislation will help provide a framework for the digital marketplace and allow creators and companies to distribute their works in the manner that best suits them,” said Jason Kee, Director, Policy and Legal Affairs at ESAC. “We strongly support the principles underlying this bill and look forward to working with Members of Parliament to adopt any technical changes needed to ensure the bill fully reflects those principles and avoid unintended consequences,” he added.

ESAC is the voice of the dynamic and growing video and computer game industry in Canada that employs approximately 16,000 people at nearly 350 companies across the country. By contributing $1.7 billion in economic activity and cultivating workers with a combination of creative, technological and management skills, the video game industry is supporting Canada’s position in the changing global economy. Association members include the nation’s leading entertainment software developers and publishers including Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Activision Blizzard, Microsoft Canada, Nintendo of Canada, Sony Computer Entertainment Canada, Disney Interactive Studios, THQ, Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment, Ludia, Sillicon Knights and Take Two Interactive, as well as distributors Solutions2Go and Team One Marketing.